4 Members Hinduja Family Get Prison in Switzerland for Exploiting Domestic Workers

Geneva: An Indian-born billionaire, Prakash Hinduja, and three family members were sentenced to prison by a Swiss court for exploiting domestic workers at their lakeside villa. The family confiscated the workers’ passports, restricted their movement, and made them work up to 18 hours daily. Charges of human trafficking were dismissed because the workers had some understanding of the situation. The four family members received sentences ranging from four to 4 1/2 years, while their business manager, Najib Ziazi, received an 18-month suspended sentence. The family plans to appeal.

The workers, mostly illiterate Indians, were paid in Indian rupees deposited in inaccessible bank accounts, significantly less than the Swiss standard. The court convicted the family of usury, exploiting the workers’ inexperience and vulnerability. Prosecutor Yves Bertossa highlighted the family’s preferential treatment of their dog over their employees, who were paid about 325 francs monthly, up to 90% below the standard rate.

The family denied the allegations, claiming a biased prosecution. They had reached a confidential settlement with the workers, but the prosecution pursued the case due to its severity. Despite the prosecutor’s request for immediate detention of Ajay and Namrata Hinduja, the judge denied it, considering the family’s ties to Switzerland.

Defense lawyers argued that the workers received benefits and were not isolated, claiming the prosecution aimed to set an example. The court seized family assets, including jewelry, to cover legal fees and potential penalties. The Hinduja Group, led by Prakash and his brothers, is a global conglomerate with a net worth of around $20 billion. The family has a history of similar charges and ongoing legal issues.

Point by Point Summary:

Sentencing:
- An Indian-born billionaire, Prakash Hinduja, and three family members were sentenced to prison for exploiting domestic workers in Switzerland.
- Sentences: Prakash Hinduja, wife Kamal, son Ajay, and daughter-in-law Namrata received 4 to 4 1/2 years in prison.
- A fifth defendant, business manager Najib Ziazi, received an 18-month suspended sentence.
- The family plans to appeal the verdict.
Charges and Convictions:
- The court dismissed more serious human trafficking charges, as workers understood their situation partly.
- The family was convicted of usury for exploiting vulnerable, mostly illiterate Indian workers by paying them in Indian rupees deposited in inaccessible banks.
Judge’s Remarks:
- Judge Sabina Mascotto stated that the workers’ inexperience and lack of education were exploited.
- She described the defendants’ motives as selfish, driven by a desire for gain.
Trial and Allegations:
- Prosecutor Yves Bertossa accused the Hindujas of treating their dog better than their employees.
- Workers were paid about 325 francs monthly, up to 90% less than the standard rate.
- The family denied the allegations, claiming the prosecution aimed to target them unfairly.
- A confidential out-of-court settlement was reached with the employees, but the prosecution continued due to the seriousness of the charges.
Post-Verdict Actions:
- Bertossa requested immediate detention for Ajay and Namrata Hinduja, citing flight risk, but the judge denied it, noting the family’s ties to Switzerland.
- Kamal Hinduja was hospitalized in Monaco, and the family was with her.
Defense Arguments:
- Defense lawyers argued that employees received ample benefits, were not isolated, and were free to leave the villa.
- They claimed employees were grateful for the better life offered by the Hindujas.
- Lawyers criticized the indictment as excessive and socially motivated, arguing no employee was cheated out of their salary.
Family Background and Business:
- The Hinduja Group, led by Prakash and his brothers, operates in various sectors with interests in 38 countries, employing around 200,000 people.
- Forbes estimates the family’s net worth at approximately $20 billion.
- Prakash Hinduja had previous convictions on similar charges in 2007 and faces a separate pending tax case in Switzerland.
Living and Working Conditions:
- Workers described a “climate of fear” and were forced to work long hours with little or no vacation time.
- They slept in the basement, sometimes on a mattress on the floor.
Assets and Legal Proceedings:
- Swiss authorities seized valuable assets, including jewelry, to cover legal fees and potential penalties.